Suboxone Abuse


Suboxone, which is administered to alleviate opiate addiction, is a mixture of two drugs. These are Naloxone and Buprenorphine. Naloxone belongs to a group of drugs known as opioid antagonists while Buprenorphine belongs to the group of prescriptions known as partial opioid agonists. Suboxone helps to reduce the chances of the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms when a person ceases taking opiate drugs. Common street names or street terms for Suboxone are Bupe, Saboxin, Sobos, Sub, Oranges, Stops, and Boxes, among others.

Although it was originally considered to be harmless, Suboxone is now susceptible to abuse. The prescription is designed to be taken by placing the pills underneath the tongue. The user then allows time for it to dissolve. On the other hand, it can be abused by constantly chewing the pills or injecting a dissolved solution. Users may conversely abuse the drug by increasing their prescribed dosage without the instruction of a health care provider. It is also said to be abused when it is taken without a valid prescription from the health care provider.

Suboxone Addiction

Although safety precautions have been put in place, Suboxone addiction has been reported across the United States. According to the Baltimore Sun, over 170,000 people undergo Suboxone treatment each day. Abuse of the drug is followed by a dependence which subsequently leads to an addiction. An addicted person needs to undergo a good quality treatment program so as to help him/her to cease using the drugs.

Medical Risks of Suboxone Addiction

According to the FDA, the side effects of Suboxone addiction can be serious and even fatal. The medical risks associated with Suboxone addiction include tolerance, dependence, potentiating and constipation. Others are flu, insomnia, stomach upsets, stress, fatigue, depression, and light-headedness, to mention but a few.

Social Effects of Suboxone Abuse

Often, addicts may find that unintentional use of Suboxone results in problems like paranoia, forgetfulness, relationship problems, and changes on their mood, but they continue using or overusing the drug without considering the consequences. This is a clear sign of Suboxone abuse.

Treatment Options for Suboxone Abuse

Three possible treatments for Suboxone abuse are administration of a neutralizing drug narcotic antagonist, stomach pumping and use of a laxative.

To get proper treatment, the health care provider has to know the amount of Suboxone that has been taken on a daily basis. They also need to know whether it was used in combination with other drugs or alcohol. It is better to instigate treatment early.

Each of the three treatments offer facilities that are unique. Patients have to make up their mind on the length they want to stay with their chosen respective residential treatment programs.

Once detox program is completed, there is a very big advantage of ceasing the use of the drug as well. Addiction is not entirely physical. There are many addictions that cause psychological effects. The user may not understand that there is a big problem and may return back to abusing the drug if the appropriate action is not taken to help them cope with the consequences.

Rehab centers offer a proper basis for the patients to return to the community and enjoy the rewards of a sober life. Counseling the patient ensures that they understand the cautionary signs of reversing to the drugs and thus, they may avoid abusing the drug again.

Contact us for a free and confidential assessment for you or a loved one.

Posted in